A first successful move from the Rouches, who see several young players reaching the end of their contract at the end of the season: Tom Poitoux, Soufiane Benjdida, but also Lucas Noubi, on whom Ivan Leko no longer counts, Matthieu Epolo (option of two years in the existing contract) and… Arnaud Bodart, of course.
Standard no longer wants to change everything every summer
With this extension, the Standard is part of a logic of continuity. The residents of Sclessin no longer want to have to change 80% of their squad each summer, and finally want players who are committed for the long term.
It is for this reason that before the end of the season, the Rouches could extend a few contracts ending in 2025 and 2026. That of Nathan Ngoy, in particular, but also that of Souleyman Doumbia. Two players who, when they are fit, are part of Leko’s starting defenders. The club will also monitor the situation of Hakim Sahabo, Brahim Ghalidi, Boli Bolingoli, Daan Dierckx, Laurent Henkinet and Matteo Godfroid.
But it is no coincidence that, on the banks of the Meuse, it was Henry Lawrence’s contract that was first extended. Arriving in August 2023 to, firstly, play with SL16 FC, the Englishman had signed a two-year contract, therefore expiring at the end of this exercise. In addition, the one who has become a regular player in the first team, making eleven starts this season, including part in central defense to “fill the holes”, has often performed well and still has some room for improvement.
December 9, 2024
